This episode is all about a baroque instrument, the Viola d'amore!

Music theory professor and director of The Duke's Music ensemble at Duquesne University, Dr. Paul Miller, and Duquesne violist graduate student, Michelle Kenyon, talk about the instrument. Paul talks about his interests in early music and contemporary music. He also talks about the rare instrument that has sympathetic, or resonating, strings. He highlights his own personal viola d'amores, which have cherub carvings on the end of the neck.

Paul also talks about an album he recorded with Chatham Baroque in 2021 called "The Undiscovered Viola D'Amore". This album features rare pieces from Gotz and Fuchs and Justin Wallace on the harpsichord. Paul traveled to Prague to see these newly discovered manuscripts firsthand.

Michelle talks about her work at Duquesne, as she completes her graduate degree in viola performance. Originally from Butler, PA, Michelle first became fascinated by the viola d'amore after Paul demonstrated it in class.

Both perform a duet by Anton Huberty. The piece is part of the rare repertoire for two viola d'amores.

WQED-FM will be offering Paul Miller and Chatham Baroque's "The Undiscovered Viola D'Amore" during our fundraising drive, May 1st to 7th.